Are all the viewing angles only through the electric fence and black poles? It's too bad that there isn't a raised platform, moat, etc for viewing such intriguing mammals.
The viewing is unfortunate. The zoo experienced much difficulty in getting this exhibit funded, and are in fact still fundraising to cover some of the expenses. I don't know if the plans were scaled back, but a glass viewing area would have greatly improved the view for the visitors. The zoo itself is around 5-10 acres I would estimate, and the area that the bear exhibit was slated for wasn't large enough for a moated enclosure (but with the fences instead I feel it was of an adequate size in and of itself). A raised platform wouldn't be an option since this is on the perimeter of the zoo, so a platform high enough would not be practical. They did seem to do a good job with varied terrain and climbing structures though and the two young sloth bears were playing vigorously during my visit.
