jedibiscuits
Well-Known Member
I got this idea from johnstoni from Europe. I thought this was clever and could be applied to many in the US.
10 Changes to Your local zoos
- Thread starter jedibiscuits
- Start date
jedibiscuits
Well-Known Member
Changes for the "World Famous" San Diego Zoo:
1. Having more than one exhibit with the same animal is not cool. They have 2 red panda exhibits, 2 Soemmerring's gazelle, 2 Kirk's dik dik, 2 tufted deer, 2 musk deer, 2 lion, 2 sloth bear, 3 Allen's swamp monkey, 2 giant anteater, 2 fossa, and a few more that I can't think of.
Maybe they can maximize their space with more of a variety of species.
2. Lower the admission and prices (enough said).
3. Concentrate on the animals more and not so much on entertaining guests (e.g. the new renovations to Polar Bear Plunge... which were a dud). And rides... People go to the zoo to see and learn about animals, not go on rides! You know how much money could have gone into the care of animals if so much wasn't spent on building rides and amusement.
4. Not be so political in the hierarchy of Zoo directors and board members and so on. It's the only zoo I know of that is so political and liberal.
5. Add more ungulate exhibits... like ones they have off exhibit.
6. Not have so many off exhibit areas where guests can't see the animals. They are also one of the only zoos I know of that is so secretive with their off exhibit enclosures.
7. Get more animals that are rare and not so common in zoos. They used to have species like saiga and Spanish ibex, and now they have so many animals that are at every zoo. They should truly live up to their "World Famous" status... which isn't very convincing at this point.
8. Spend money on renovating exhibits or adding new ones instead of paying live bands and other entertainers.
9. Maybe not get so caught up in the conservation of only charismatic, popular species like the giant panda or polar bears (which aren't even endangered). Raise awareness for other, less-known animals that are unique to guests.
10. Quit emphasizing that all the money earned at the zoo goes to conservation.. we know it doesn't. It goes to all their schemes and ways to raise more money.
I'm not impressed with this so-called "World Famous" zoo. But, living in San Diego, it's my only choice. All of this applies to the Wild Animal Park as well. I remain a member, but only because it's the only way to get my "animal fix."
1. Having more than one exhibit with the same animal is not cool. They have 2 red panda exhibits, 2 Soemmerring's gazelle, 2 Kirk's dik dik, 2 tufted deer, 2 musk deer, 2 lion, 2 sloth bear, 3 Allen's swamp monkey, 2 giant anteater, 2 fossa, and a few more that I can't think of.
Maybe they can maximize their space with more of a variety of species.
2. Lower the admission and prices (enough said).
3. Concentrate on the animals more and not so much on entertaining guests (e.g. the new renovations to Polar Bear Plunge... which were a dud). And rides... People go to the zoo to see and learn about animals, not go on rides! You know how much money could have gone into the care of animals if so much wasn't spent on building rides and amusement.
4. Not be so political in the hierarchy of Zoo directors and board members and so on. It's the only zoo I know of that is so political and liberal.
5. Add more ungulate exhibits... like ones they have off exhibit.
6. Not have so many off exhibit areas where guests can't see the animals. They are also one of the only zoos I know of that is so secretive with their off exhibit enclosures.
7. Get more animals that are rare and not so common in zoos. They used to have species like saiga and Spanish ibex, and now they have so many animals that are at every zoo. They should truly live up to their "World Famous" status... which isn't very convincing at this point.
8. Spend money on renovating exhibits or adding new ones instead of paying live bands and other entertainers.
9. Maybe not get so caught up in the conservation of only charismatic, popular species like the giant panda or polar bears (which aren't even endangered). Raise awareness for other, less-known animals that are unique to guests.
10. Quit emphasizing that all the money earned at the zoo goes to conservation.. we know it doesn't. It goes to all their schemes and ways to raise more money.
I'm not impressed with this so-called "World Famous" zoo. But, living in San Diego, it's my only choice. All of this applies to the Wild Animal Park as well. I remain a member, but only because it's the only way to get my "animal fix."
Maybe we could move one of all of those exhibits that San Diego has two of to Australia because out of all of them I've only seen red pandas and lions. But I know what you mean because Melbourne Zoo has two walk-through exhibits for Kangaroo Island Kangaroos.
For Melbourne Zoo I'd-
1) Move the baboons from Melbourne to Werribee and redevelop the entire area from the old elephant barn down to the front of the zoo. I'd make it an amazon theme and move the capuchins out of the African rainforest, make better exhibits for the few species of small south american monkeys they have, get their hands on some tapirs and move the peccaries down from the top of the zoo.
2)Completely overhaul the top right hand section of the zoo to a Himalayan theme. Red Pandas can be moved up from the already mentioned area of the zoo, Snow leopards are already in place but will need new exhibits, move in some himalayan tahr bringing the number of ungulates up to 7, and lastly I'd hate to see the bear exhibit completely destroyed so maybe japanese macaques could be moved in.
3)Label the siamangs when they are in the netted exhibit of the orang-utan sanctuary because I hate it when people say "I always thought orang-utans were red." or "They must be baby orang-utans and they'll go red when they grow up."
4)Pull down the tree top apes and monkeys exhibit and build an exhibit for some african rainforest species e.g. bongo, black and white colobus; or build a second tiger or sunbear exhibit. The monkeys from this area can all be rehoused under my plan. White-handed gibbons and the ebony langurs can move to the islands opposite the orang-utans, black and white colobus monkeys can have an exhibit built for them in the rainforest section or some how be mixed with the gorillas, capuchins can move to the new amazon section, and the black and white lemurs ("Are they pandas?" I've heard people say) can move to the island near the japanese garden with the second ring-tail lemur group.
5. Move some of the elephants to another zoo, ideally Perth. Maybe two of the cows could move and that would leave two cows and the new calf at Melbourne.
6)Redevelop the Reptile house. It has a great collection but as a whole it feels outdated and some of the exhibits are simply too small. Maybe incorporate the aldabra giant tortoises as well.
7)Somehow get a new pygmy hippo and then they can take to stupid carp out of the second pygmy hippo exhibit. Does anyone know why Taronga was chosen over Melbourne to get the breeding pair?
8)Make the newest kangaroo walk-through area into an exhibit for a species that isn't already held somewhere else at the zoo. It takes up quite a bit of valuable space and could be used for a much better reason then what it is. I'd like it to be an ungulate, maybe a deer species.
9)And while I'm on the Australian section I always think that the red kangaroo yard would make a pretty cool dingo exhibit and no one really looks at those kangaroos when they've already walked through two exhibits of kangaroos.
10)Is it too early to ask for a complete redevelopment of wild seas...Only joking. But I would change the underwater viewing into the penguin pool because you can only see them if the swim directly past the window which is a shame.
I was gonna do Zoos Victoria as a whole but there were too many things I'd change.
For Melbourne Zoo I'd-
1) Move the baboons from Melbourne to Werribee and redevelop the entire area from the old elephant barn down to the front of the zoo. I'd make it an amazon theme and move the capuchins out of the African rainforest, make better exhibits for the few species of small south american monkeys they have, get their hands on some tapirs and move the peccaries down from the top of the zoo.
2)Completely overhaul the top right hand section of the zoo to a Himalayan theme. Red Pandas can be moved up from the already mentioned area of the zoo, Snow leopards are already in place but will need new exhibits, move in some himalayan tahr bringing the number of ungulates up to 7, and lastly I'd hate to see the bear exhibit completely destroyed so maybe japanese macaques could be moved in.
3)Label the siamangs when they are in the netted exhibit of the orang-utan sanctuary because I hate it when people say "I always thought orang-utans were red." or "They must be baby orang-utans and they'll go red when they grow up."
4)Pull down the tree top apes and monkeys exhibit and build an exhibit for some african rainforest species e.g. bongo, black and white colobus; or build a second tiger or sunbear exhibit. The monkeys from this area can all be rehoused under my plan. White-handed gibbons and the ebony langurs can move to the islands opposite the orang-utans, black and white colobus monkeys can have an exhibit built for them in the rainforest section or some how be mixed with the gorillas, capuchins can move to the new amazon section, and the black and white lemurs ("Are they pandas?" I've heard people say) can move to the island near the japanese garden with the second ring-tail lemur group.
5. Move some of the elephants to another zoo, ideally Perth. Maybe two of the cows could move and that would leave two cows and the new calf at Melbourne.
6)Redevelop the Reptile house. It has a great collection but as a whole it feels outdated and some of the exhibits are simply too small. Maybe incorporate the aldabra giant tortoises as well.
7)Somehow get a new pygmy hippo and then they can take to stupid carp out of the second pygmy hippo exhibit. Does anyone know why Taronga was chosen over Melbourne to get the breeding pair?
8)Make the newest kangaroo walk-through area into an exhibit for a species that isn't already held somewhere else at the zoo. It takes up quite a bit of valuable space and could be used for a much better reason then what it is. I'd like it to be an ungulate, maybe a deer species.
9)And while I'm on the Australian section I always think that the red kangaroo yard would make a pretty cool dingo exhibit and no one really looks at those kangaroos when they've already walked through two exhibits of kangaroos.
10)Is it too early to ask for a complete redevelopment of wild seas...Only joking. But I would change the underwater viewing into the penguin pool because you can only see them if the swim directly past the window which is a shame.
I was gonna do Zoos Victoria as a whole but there were too many things I'd change.
mstickmanp
Well-Known Member
For the Los Angeles Zoo I would:
1. First of all, I would remodel or demolish the round houses that are located all around the zoo. If they can't be demolished them I would make all the shorter ones a lot taller and add windows for better viewing.
2. Remodel the carnivore exhibits (Lion, Tiger and Bears). To the lion exhibit I would fill in the moat and add viewing windows, which will double the size of the exhibit. For the tigers and bears I would completely redo the two exhibits so that they won’t be pit like exhibits.
3. Remodel the Australia section. Firstly I would connect the two kangaroo exhibits making into a larger exhibit. People would enter the section via a bridge that goes over the kangaroo exhibit. Reopen the old Koala House as an Australian House featuring Bilbies, Wombats, Quolls, Bettongs, Echidnas, etc. I would also remove the hornbills from the center aviary and add Australian species.
4. After “Rain Forest of the Americas” is finished, I would redo the current South America section into an Asian section. This section will mainly add new small mammals and birds from South East Asia into the collection. I would connect the current maned wolf and giant otter exhibit and make it into a Malayan Tapir exhibit. The mountain tapir exhibit would then be the new babirusa exhibit. I would also build a medium-large aviary that would be home to the hornbill pair that currently lives in the Australia Section.
5. I would completely remodel the walk-through aviaries. The bottom aviary would focus on wetland birds found around the world. The top I would mainly focus on African Rain forest bird species.
6. I would add more climbing structures to the three great ape exhibits. I would also add either the gibbons or siamangs to the orang exhibit.
7. I would demolish the Anoa, Giant Elands, Ostrich, and Red River Hog exhibits. What I would do is make a larger exhibit that would feature the Giant Elands, Ostrich and maybe another African antelope species.
8. I would build huge aviaries in the location of the old hill exhibit that the birds of prey (Stellar’s Sea Eagles, Fish Eagles, African Crowned Eagle, Harpy Eagle, Japanese Hawk-eagle, and Red-tailed Hawks) around the zoo can be exhibited there. This area could be called “Raptor Lane”.
9. Instead of building the new carousel in treetops I would build it in the little park by the bird show. This would get rid of the old choo choo train.
10. Last but not least, I would like to see the giraffe exhibit expanded, but I don’t know if that is possible. They could then add crowned cranes to the exhibit.
There is currently a lot of construction going on at the zoo, so once they are done hopefully some of these things can be done.
1. First of all, I would remodel or demolish the round houses that are located all around the zoo. If they can't be demolished them I would make all the shorter ones a lot taller and add windows for better viewing.
2. Remodel the carnivore exhibits (Lion, Tiger and Bears). To the lion exhibit I would fill in the moat and add viewing windows, which will double the size of the exhibit. For the tigers and bears I would completely redo the two exhibits so that they won’t be pit like exhibits.
3. Remodel the Australia section. Firstly I would connect the two kangaroo exhibits making into a larger exhibit. People would enter the section via a bridge that goes over the kangaroo exhibit. Reopen the old Koala House as an Australian House featuring Bilbies, Wombats, Quolls, Bettongs, Echidnas, etc. I would also remove the hornbills from the center aviary and add Australian species.
4. After “Rain Forest of the Americas” is finished, I would redo the current South America section into an Asian section. This section will mainly add new small mammals and birds from South East Asia into the collection. I would connect the current maned wolf and giant otter exhibit and make it into a Malayan Tapir exhibit. The mountain tapir exhibit would then be the new babirusa exhibit. I would also build a medium-large aviary that would be home to the hornbill pair that currently lives in the Australia Section.
5. I would completely remodel the walk-through aviaries. The bottom aviary would focus on wetland birds found around the world. The top I would mainly focus on African Rain forest bird species.
6. I would add more climbing structures to the three great ape exhibits. I would also add either the gibbons or siamangs to the orang exhibit.
7. I would demolish the Anoa, Giant Elands, Ostrich, and Red River Hog exhibits. What I would do is make a larger exhibit that would feature the Giant Elands, Ostrich and maybe another African antelope species.
8. I would build huge aviaries in the location of the old hill exhibit that the birds of prey (Stellar’s Sea Eagles, Fish Eagles, African Crowned Eagle, Harpy Eagle, Japanese Hawk-eagle, and Red-tailed Hawks) around the zoo can be exhibited there. This area could be called “Raptor Lane”.
9. Instead of building the new carousel in treetops I would build it in the little park by the bird show. This would get rid of the old choo choo train.
10. Last but not least, I would like to see the giraffe exhibit expanded, but I don’t know if that is possible. They could then add crowned cranes to the exhibit.
There is currently a lot of construction going on at the zoo, so once they are done hopefully some of these things can be done.
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jbnbsn99
Well-Known Member
Oh, how I love to think about how to change my zoo. I've come up with a lot of ideas. Here are some of the ideas I've had for Dallas.
1. Add Bongos between the Bush and Chimp exhibits on the monorail.
2. 2 new exhibits on the Nature Trail. One for Pygmy Hippos between the Chimps and Kopje (with an overlook onto the new Bongo exhibit). Second for Hyenas (any species) in the current exhibit in the Kopje for Marabou Storks and Lappet-Faced Vultures. Both of these exhibits would be connected by the same barn.
3. New monorail trains. This should probably be number 1. Maybe air conditioned for those hot days?
4. Demolish the Large Mammal Building, Cat Row, and Snout Route. Here you could have the beginnings of a great Asian exhibit. right next to the current Tiger and Otter exhibits.
5. Move all the African Monkeys to the Wilds of Africa. Should be there anyway.
6. Turn The Hill section into the Wilds of South America with a similar concept to the Wilds of Africa going through the different habitats/regions of a whole continent. (Coasts, Andes/Altiplano, Amazon, Pampas/Patagonia)
7. More animals on the Wilds of Africa Monorail. Black Rhinos, Eland, and Sable Antelope in the Woodlands, Hippos, Sitatunga, and Nile Lechwe in the River.
8. New Atlas Mountain exhibit on Monorail tour next to the desert. Have this be for Aoudad and Barbary Deer. (Maybe Cuvier's Gazelle and Macaques.)
9. Get some species of Bear (spectacled for the South American Exhibit or Sloth or Sun for a future Asian one).
10. Acquire more land to let all the fun continue
1. Add Bongos between the Bush and Chimp exhibits on the monorail.
2. 2 new exhibits on the Nature Trail. One for Pygmy Hippos between the Chimps and Kopje (with an overlook onto the new Bongo exhibit). Second for Hyenas (any species) in the current exhibit in the Kopje for Marabou Storks and Lappet-Faced Vultures. Both of these exhibits would be connected by the same barn.
3. New monorail trains. This should probably be number 1. Maybe air conditioned for those hot days?
4. Demolish the Large Mammal Building, Cat Row, and Snout Route. Here you could have the beginnings of a great Asian exhibit. right next to the current Tiger and Otter exhibits.
5. Move all the African Monkeys to the Wilds of Africa. Should be there anyway.
6. Turn The Hill section into the Wilds of South America with a similar concept to the Wilds of Africa going through the different habitats/regions of a whole continent. (Coasts, Andes/Altiplano, Amazon, Pampas/Patagonia)
7. More animals on the Wilds of Africa Monorail. Black Rhinos, Eland, and Sable Antelope in the Woodlands, Hippos, Sitatunga, and Nile Lechwe in the River.
8. New Atlas Mountain exhibit on Monorail tour next to the desert. Have this be for Aoudad and Barbary Deer. (Maybe Cuvier's Gazelle and Macaques.)
9. Get some species of Bear (spectacled for the South American Exhibit or Sloth or Sun for a future Asian one).
10. Acquire more land to let all the fun continue
Meaghan Edwards
Well-Known Member
Terrific thread idea
For Toronto:
1. Do a total reno of Indonesia. I know that the pavilion is going to be renovated (new Orangutan exhibit which includes an outdoor exhibit, new gavial exhibit), but I would also like to see bigger, more natural spaces for the Guar, Indian Rhino, Tapir and a new Sumatran Tiger exhibit.
2. For Australasia, along with the planned Cassowaries, add a dingo exhibit nearby.
Onto Canada, pardon the rambling
3. Once the remaining Canadian Domain animals are moved up, turn this area into a Canadian prairie exhibit. Add pronghorn and possibly reintroduce mule deer to the existing elk/bison or former Musk Oxen exhibit. Demolish or remodel raccoon exhibit, replace with Swift Fox. Coyotes (if not exhibited in the planned Woodlands area), another species that was once at the zoo, can be placed in either the former wolf exhibit with glass viewing and platform to observe the animals better, but without adding stress to the animals. Existing remains of the monorail platform can be modified for platform. Former musk oxen exhibit can be considered as well for coyotes, if pronghorn aren't placed in it. Golden Eagles can be placed in either the former (modified) Lynx or Bald Eagle enclosure, along with an exhibit for American Badgers.
As this area's biggest problem with the visitors is accessibility, create a gentler slope for wheelchair access and stair access.
Replace the Eurasian Reindeer with the more Canadian appropriate caribou.
Create glass and platform viewing for the wolves.
4. Rotation exhibits, which aren't currently planned due to money constraints, but perhaps if the zoo's budget is improved, this is something that can be considered again. My idea of American Badger and Swift Fox exhibits can be rotation exhibits.
5. More mixed species exhibits, when possible.
Onto Africa . . .
6. Add more "oomf" for a lack of better words to the savannah exhibits. While this is a terrific area, I feel it can still do with some improvements. I would start with better barrier hiding. Perhaps add bushes in front of chain link fencing in such areas as the Sable Antelope exhibit, to hide background buildings as well. Possibly add a few more species to the Impala/Kudu exhibit, and also if possible, Ostrich.
Create more enclosures for more African species into the empty space around the former (now demolished) outdoor Mandrill exhibit. Such species can include African leopard, African Wild Dog, Gnu, Gerenuk, and smaller species such as Steenbok, jackal and Bat-eared Fox. This could be an area based on South Africa.
For the pavillion, renovate the area where the Spotted-Neck Otters are, and create an improved, expanded outdoor exhibit for gorillas (with more climbing opportunities for indoors). Create an outdoor exhibit for the mandrills, as they once had, along with the meerkats.
If the elephants are moved, expand the current hippo exhibit into the existing elephant area once adapted to the species. Seasonally, tilapia and/or cichlids (perhaps moved from the pavilion or different species) could be added to the pool. Underwater viewing would be a huge bonus, considering how popular they are.
7. For Eurasia, far larger enclosures for Snow Leopards and Amur Tiger. As the case will be for Chinese species, continue plans to categorize the species here by country, rather than have them randomly placed around as it is now.
8. Continue to exhibit more unusual species. Be it birds, reptiles, mammals, etc.
9. Expand/naturalize enclosures for the animals in the Children's Zoo.
10. Expand the zoo's already excellent education programs; this could include education/training for private owners and for other zoos in the province, which could go a long way in improving the conditions of many zoos in Ontario. Extend the age for Zoo School.
For Toronto:
1. Do a total reno of Indonesia. I know that the pavilion is going to be renovated (new Orangutan exhibit which includes an outdoor exhibit, new gavial exhibit), but I would also like to see bigger, more natural spaces for the Guar, Indian Rhino, Tapir and a new Sumatran Tiger exhibit.
2. For Australasia, along with the planned Cassowaries, add a dingo exhibit nearby.
Onto Canada, pardon the rambling
3. Once the remaining Canadian Domain animals are moved up, turn this area into a Canadian prairie exhibit. Add pronghorn and possibly reintroduce mule deer to the existing elk/bison or former Musk Oxen exhibit. Demolish or remodel raccoon exhibit, replace with Swift Fox. Coyotes (if not exhibited in the planned Woodlands area), another species that was once at the zoo, can be placed in either the former wolf exhibit with glass viewing and platform to observe the animals better, but without adding stress to the animals. Existing remains of the monorail platform can be modified for platform. Former musk oxen exhibit can be considered as well for coyotes, if pronghorn aren't placed in it. Golden Eagles can be placed in either the former (modified) Lynx or Bald Eagle enclosure, along with an exhibit for American Badgers.
As this area's biggest problem with the visitors is accessibility, create a gentler slope for wheelchair access and stair access.
Replace the Eurasian Reindeer with the more Canadian appropriate caribou.
Create glass and platform viewing for the wolves.
4. Rotation exhibits, which aren't currently planned due to money constraints, but perhaps if the zoo's budget is improved, this is something that can be considered again. My idea of American Badger and Swift Fox exhibits can be rotation exhibits.
5. More mixed species exhibits, when possible.
Onto Africa . . .
6. Add more "oomf" for a lack of better words to the savannah exhibits. While this is a terrific area, I feel it can still do with some improvements. I would start with better barrier hiding. Perhaps add bushes in front of chain link fencing in such areas as the Sable Antelope exhibit, to hide background buildings as well. Possibly add a few more species to the Impala/Kudu exhibit, and also if possible, Ostrich.
Create more enclosures for more African species into the empty space around the former (now demolished) outdoor Mandrill exhibit. Such species can include African leopard, African Wild Dog, Gnu, Gerenuk, and smaller species such as Steenbok, jackal and Bat-eared Fox. This could be an area based on South Africa.
For the pavillion, renovate the area where the Spotted-Neck Otters are, and create an improved, expanded outdoor exhibit for gorillas (with more climbing opportunities for indoors). Create an outdoor exhibit for the mandrills, as they once had, along with the meerkats.
If the elephants are moved, expand the current hippo exhibit into the existing elephant area once adapted to the species. Seasonally, tilapia and/or cichlids (perhaps moved from the pavilion or different species) could be added to the pool. Underwater viewing would be a huge bonus, considering how popular they are.
7. For Eurasia, far larger enclosures for Snow Leopards and Amur Tiger. As the case will be for Chinese species, continue plans to categorize the species here by country, rather than have them randomly placed around as it is now.
8. Continue to exhibit more unusual species. Be it birds, reptiles, mammals, etc.
9. Expand/naturalize enclosures for the animals in the Children's Zoo.
10. Expand the zoo's already excellent education programs; this could include education/training for private owners and for other zoos in the province, which could go a long way in improving the conditions of many zoos in Ontario. Extend the age for Zoo School.
Buffalo Zoo:
1.) Expand the elephant exhibit giving them more enrichment! With the entrance moving, the could stretch out their yard where the old entrance used to be (although I'm not sure if the Arctic exhibit will be using that space. Expand the elephant barn to go beyond the AZA requirements. Love some of the old architecture features on the outside of the barn, but it needs to be bigger!
2.) Polar Bear exhibit! Let's get a move on. Some nice land with grass to make up for the concrete they've been walking on. A nice big pool with underwater viewing...I'd love a walkthrough tunnel. I'm interested to see the final design concept on this.
3.) Zebras need a more natural and bigger exhibit. I don't get how they have stones and no grass in their exhibit.
4.) Giraffes need a bigger yard and house. I know there are plans for an African Watering Hole in the future which will improve their exhibit.
5.) Reptile House needs to complete each section. I'm sick of seeing under construction signs. And the whole back area with the alligator...put an animal on the other side and enough of this blue tarp hanging on the walls like it's hiding something. It looks awful.
6.) Outdoor exhibit for the gorillas or more vertical space for their indoor exhibit so they're able to climb.
7.) Vanish Animals North needs a new reconfiguration. I'm tired of their location and the effect of the sunlight. There are always glares when you look through the glass and it ruins photos.
8.) A better carousel. Buffalo has a suburb where the Hershell Carousel Factory is and we really ought to have a better one.
9.) More animal demonstrations and shows during the summer. And the ones already done need to be of better quality!
10.) It will never happen because Delaware Park is beautiful and loved by everyone, but if only we could expand the zoo and use more of the park's land.
1.) Expand the elephant exhibit giving them more enrichment! With the entrance moving, the could stretch out their yard where the old entrance used to be (although I'm not sure if the Arctic exhibit will be using that space. Expand the elephant barn to go beyond the AZA requirements. Love some of the old architecture features on the outside of the barn, but it needs to be bigger!
2.) Polar Bear exhibit! Let's get a move on. Some nice land with grass to make up for the concrete they've been walking on. A nice big pool with underwater viewing...I'd love a walkthrough tunnel. I'm interested to see the final design concept on this.
3.) Zebras need a more natural and bigger exhibit. I don't get how they have stones and no grass in their exhibit.
4.) Giraffes need a bigger yard and house. I know there are plans for an African Watering Hole in the future which will improve their exhibit.
5.) Reptile House needs to complete each section. I'm sick of seeing under construction signs. And the whole back area with the alligator...put an animal on the other side and enough of this blue tarp hanging on the walls like it's hiding something. It looks awful.
6.) Outdoor exhibit for the gorillas or more vertical space for their indoor exhibit so they're able to climb.
7.) Vanish Animals North needs a new reconfiguration. I'm tired of their location and the effect of the sunlight. There are always glares when you look through the glass and it ruins photos.
8.) A better carousel. Buffalo has a suburb where the Hershell Carousel Factory is and we really ought to have a better one.
9.) More animal demonstrations and shows during the summer. And the ones already done need to be of better quality!
10.) It will never happen because Delaware Park is beautiful and loved by everyone, but if only we could expand the zoo and use more of the park's land.
Seneca Park Zoo:
1.) The main building has got to go!!! I know many people who work there think the same thing, but it's all about money. But it's horribly outdated and cramped for all its residents.
2.) The main building has one section entirely of primates/apes. Maybe they could use that space to build better exhibits for them. We're the only zoo in NY to have Bornean Orangutans and they're in desperate need of a better exhibit!
3.) Get rid of the old cages where they use to house the leopards and lynxes. They need to go!
4.) Acquire more land at the end of the zoo where the African animals are located. I would love to see the rhinos moved down there in a bigger exhibit. Continue with the plan with the lion exhibit and concrete this area together with an African theme.
5.) A nicer stage and bigger budget for the summer stage show and education department. They do a great job with the financial limits that they have.
6.) Add Harbor Seals to Sea Lion exhibit as planned. Although I think it may need to be expanded so everyone has room.
7.) Do a nice job with the remodeling of the African Black Footed Penguin exhibit. Although I think it's still going to be too small. But if they can achieve a design that makes the penguins actually comfortable to swim in the water, I know visitors would finally be thrilled.
8.) The big cats could use some nicer and bigger exhibits.
9.) Do the Animal Art Auction more than once a year because I love it.
10.) Acquire some new animals since they have a collection of older animals and a few have died out in the past couple of years.
1.) The main building has got to go!!! I know many people who work there think the same thing, but it's all about money. But it's horribly outdated and cramped for all its residents.
2.) The main building has one section entirely of primates/apes. Maybe they could use that space to build better exhibits for them. We're the only zoo in NY to have Bornean Orangutans and they're in desperate need of a better exhibit!
3.) Get rid of the old cages where they use to house the leopards and lynxes. They need to go!
4.) Acquire more land at the end of the zoo where the African animals are located. I would love to see the rhinos moved down there in a bigger exhibit. Continue with the plan with the lion exhibit and concrete this area together with an African theme.
5.) A nicer stage and bigger budget for the summer stage show and education department. They do a great job with the financial limits that they have.
6.) Add Harbor Seals to Sea Lion exhibit as planned. Although I think it may need to be expanded so everyone has room.
7.) Do a nice job with the remodeling of the African Black Footed Penguin exhibit. Although I think it's still going to be too small. But if they can achieve a design that makes the penguins actually comfortable to swim in the water, I know visitors would finally be thrilled.
8.) The big cats could use some nicer and bigger exhibits.
9.) Do the Animal Art Auction more than once a year because I love it.
10.) Acquire some new animals since they have a collection of older animals and a few have died out in the past couple of years.