Tigers are really athletic even in water, the type of barrier you've suggested doesn't seem robust enough to contain a tiger. An effective barrier of that sort for a tiger would need to extend several feet above deep water with an overhang and hotwire.
I think this is right on, as a designer (or a zoo director for that matter) I would not want to risk escape knowing their prowess in the water.
If there was some sort of "vestibule" the boat would go through prior to (and after) the tiger water so that one gate would open, the boat goes in, the first closes, the second gate opens, then the boat enters the tiger space and the second gate closes behind it. The boat would then need to have an unclimbable kickback as an edge which is easy enough to do below sight level. There would also likely have to be a automatic gate sensor on the second gate so it doesn't open when the tiger is right by it (proximity sensor maybe?). You could also pretty easily hide the "vestibule" as a bridge or a cave. Maybe even a waterfall so you can't see the second gate beyond the water and the entry through the water (hopefully there is a cover over the boat!) would be a very dramatic entry experience. I think it could definitely be done just need to find the right client willing to try it. If you do let me know, I'll design it!
Exactly so.
I think that this section is designed to make visitors aware of the tigers, rather than providing the best view possible. They can't deepen the waterway here, because the boats need a uniform depth. They certainly don't want the tigers to enter the water here, because there is a pool with underwater viewing on the other side of the enclosure.
The best views for all the species will be from the footpath, for the obvious reason that visitors can choose a viewpoint and stop to watch the animals for as long as they wish. The boats provide an alternative view for people who prefer not to go round all the paths (for example because they use a wheelchair or have a small fractious child in a pushchair) or who want to sit down and watch the animals, not a bad idea in a zoo as large as Chester.
I think they could have created a more natural effect for the tiger enclosure on the river side by limiting the amount of chain link and using more rocky 'outcrops' in between thus offering glimpses of the tigers. However, the planting is far from complete yet and I assume this will be much denser as it is on the rest of the finished exhibits. So effectively allowing the same fleeting viewing opportunity and making the view feel more natural or exciting. Prolonged viewing opportunities are available on foot as has been mentioned, with benches and seating provided to allow for a more comfortable extended stay.
My worry for the tiger exhibit is that the tigers will use the highest point of the exhibit (on top of the tunnel) to rest, which is actually the least visible part of the whole enclosure.
I think this is right on, as a designer (or a zoo director for that matter) I would not want to risk escape knowing their prowess in the water.
If there was some sort of "vestibule" the boat would go through prior to (and after) the tiger water so that one gate would open, the boat goes in, the first closes, the second gate opens, then the boat enters the tiger space and the second gate closes behind it. The boat would then need to have an unclimbable kickback as an edge which is easy enough to do below sight level. There would also likely have to be a automatic gate sensor on the second gate so it doesn't open when the tiger is right by it (proximity sensor maybe?). You could also pretty easily hide the "vestibule" as a bridge or a cave. Maybe even a waterfall so you can't see the second gate beyond the water and the entry through the water (hopefully there is a cover over the boat!) would be a very dramatic entry experience. I think it could definitely be done just need to find the right client willing to try it. If you do let me know, I'll design it!
Very cool idea, but i don't think any public zoo would be willing to undertake such a risk. If the boat stalls in the tiger exhbit.. well we've all seen Jurassic Park!
I agree, at this end of the enclosure; but there are openings in the planting further along on the right-hind side as the boat passes (or should I say on the starboard beam ). I took the shot here to get the warning notice in the picture.
Very cool idea, but i don't think any public zoo would be willing to undertake such a risk. If the boat stalls in the tiger exhbit.. well we've all seen Jurassic Park!
As long as the 3' high kickback is consistant all the way around and the boat is tethered to not drift toward the shore you'd be fine, you just might be there a while if the tiger decides take an extended swim near the proximity sensor!
