@lintworm I think this is the Coati exhibit. This Project obviosly needs more time and probably some adjustments. Nevertheless I must say that I enjoyed Beauval a lot and some of the exhibits are excellent.
@lintworm I remember that you raved about Beauval in your thread about Europe's 50 must see zoos. Is there a list of exhibits at that French zoo that you dislike? The animal collection (90+ mammal species, 250+ bird species, etc.) is incredible, many of the enclosures look modern and spacious, plus I know some zoo nerds who rank Beauval in the top 15 best zoos on the planet. What don't you like?
While the enclosures themselves are often spacious and as a bird this for example looks to be a great space. There are plenty of flawed enclosures (including very new ones) though, but my main issue is the complete lack of landscape design and the word sightline seems to be forbidden. This coati enclosure being a prime example where there is 360 degree view of other visitors and on coatis from above. Beauval is the zoo with the highest revenue of Europe (±5x Burgers' Zoo or 2x Chester....), that is only translated in being a very big zoo where one can see a lot of animals very well (which is why many people like it and I don't fault them). But design wise it is a mixed bag at best. Pairi Daiza, the other European behemoth, at least sells a unique experience (with its flaws, but impressive it is). Beauval is just a very large zoo which is surpassed by many smaller zoos in its design and landscaping choices.
For now there also seems to be only one entrance/exit, which with the summer crowd and the narrow pathways means this aviary will be logistic hell too....
I just re-read your review and you were highly critical of Beauval. It does seem that it would be a zoo that appeals to everyone, both the masses and zoo nerds, but clearly there are issues with the design of some of the exhibits. The coati enclosure in the photo above looks as if it is located in one of the 150+ British zoos that all appear one and the same with their design ideas. I'd love to visit Beauval one day, as I honestly know a few zoo nerds who rank it very high indeed. Without a doubt, it appears that there is some kind of 'arms race' between Beauval and Pairi Daiza to see who can build the biggest and best zoo in Europe...if not the world. I wonder if those two zoos are moving too fast and need to just chill and fix up a few exhibits before opening something new again.
@snowleopard Biggest zoo not best zoo I know you have a preference for giving big zoos the top spots in your best zoo lists, so I am sure Beauval will appeal to you as there is an insane amount to see on one day and a lot is designed to impress (and not necessarily to be good).
